"Why do you think there is not enough food?"
"Yes, that shouldn't be the case!" Daishan rushed to agree.
Sony smiled bitterly: "You two princes, have you forgotten that no matter how much food we robbed, it can't compare with those merchants in Xuanfu."
"Let's not talk about the distant past. Just last year, the eight merchants in Zhangjiakou Fort alone transported tens of millions of dan of grain to Shengjing through the grassland."
"In April this year, the Ming court suddenly killed them. Since then, apart from a few merchants transporting some grain to Shengjing, no one else has transported grain."
"That's it for this year. The days ahead will be even more difficult!"
Everyone in Chongzheng Hall fell silent at the same time.
The reason why they have no shortage of supplies is all thanks to the help of those merchants.
In addition to food, there is also iron and lead for making weapons, and cotton and linen for making clothes, especially cotton, which is a must-have for making cotton armor.
There is also gunpowder, intelligence, etc.
With these things, they can still fight against the Ming court.
Without these things, what can they use to fight against the Ming court?
Jirgalang knew the truth, so he stepped forward and asked, "Is there any way to win over these existing merchants?"
Sony shook his head. "It's hard to say. The Ming court has extremely strict control over the businesses in Xuanfu. Most businesses don't dare to do business with us. There are only three that dare to do business with us."
"Which three?" Daishan asked.
"Zhou's business, Jinshengyuan, and another one called Wanfuxiang."
"According to investigation, the owner behind Zhou's business is Chongzhen's father-in-law Zhou Kui; Jin Shengyuan has a complicated background, including officials and nobles. It is rumored that the man behind the scenes is Li Banghua, the Minister of War and the Prime Minister of the Cabinet."
"What about the other one?"
“We haven’t found out the background of this business.”
Jirgalang nodded: "Okay, let's get in touch with them more and see if we can rebuild the previous trade route. If we can, that would be great. If not, we have to find another way."
Everyone discussed for a while and then went back to their homes.
The New Year begins in the twelfth lunar month.
Not only was there no New Year atmosphere in the entire Shengjing, but white cloth was hung on the doors of every household.
Walking on the street, there were cries everywhere.
On the way back, Dorgon didn't want to listen to the crying, so he asked Fan Wencheng to ride in the same sedan chair with him.
"Mr. Fan, what should I do next? Although I have retained my princely title, I have no real power... If I return to the court, I will not only have to fight against Jirgalang and Daishan, but also Hauge and even Duoduo... It's difficult!"
Fan Wencheng smiled slightly and said, "Don't panic, Prince Rui. I think we should retreat in order to advance."
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